Question

In “de facto” method of census data collection, data is collected based on which of the following?

• A. Place of birth
• B. Location at the time of enumeration
• C. Place of employment
• D. Usual place of residence

Hint:

De facto = where the person is found. De jure = usual residence.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the primary counting criterion used in the "de facto" method of taking a national census.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

De Facto Method: This is also known as the "one-night enumeration" or "snapshot" method. Every person is counted at the exact location where they are physically present at the time of the census count (usually a single reference night). If someone is in a hotel or on a train, they are counted at that spot.

De Jure Method: In this system, individuals are counted at their usual or permanent place of residence, regardless of where they happen to be on the census night.

Comparison:

De Facto (Option B): Simpler and faster but can provide distorted data for local planning if many people are traveling.

De Jure (Option D): More difficult to execute but better reflects the actual residency and infrastructure needs of an area. India uses an "extended de jure" method.


Outcome: Since "de facto" means "in fact" or "actually present", the census count is based strictly on physical location during enumeration.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The de facto method counts every individual based on where they are physically found during the census night.